2015 Cricket World Cup’s breakout stars

We've spotted the next generation of talent that could change the cricket scene

While winning the ultimate prize is foremost on everyone’s minds at the World Cup, tournaments tend to be memorable for the young superstars that they produce. In the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1975, fans were introduced to would-be legends Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, while the 1979 edition saw the arrival of Kapil Dev and Allan Border. The tournament of 1992 will be remembered by Indian fans for the launch of Sachin Tendulkar on the big stage, while the 2011 edition saw India’s latest hero Virat Kohli unleashed on an unsuspecting public.

Here’s a look at some players who could well go on to create history over the next decade.

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Kane Williamson

Williamson introduced himself to international cricket with a century on debut against India in Ahmedabad, and over the last five years, has grown from strength to strength. Arguably the best batsman in the Kiwi line-up, this World Cup could be the platform Williamson needs to put himself above the Kohlis and Steve Smiths as the premier batsman of his generation.

Pat Cummins

Young Cummins is the latest Aussie pace sensation, and though he’s been playing the international scene for three years now, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket yet due to injuries. A 6-fer on debut in his only Test match, that too against the Proteas away from home, is just a small glimpse of his prodigious talent.

Quinton de Kock

Indian fans will probably never forget young De Kock for as long as they live, after the opening batsman scored three back-to-back centuries against us in South Africa in 2013. An attacking batsman with a great appetite for runs, De Kock is well placed to impress in a team which isn’t overly dependent on his talents to succeed.

Axar Patel

A recent addition to India’s one-day unit, Patel has displayed the happy knack of picking up wickets, while also keeping the runs down with his slow left arm spin. His batting still needs a lot of work, but Patel has the potential to be a terrific long term asset for India.

Ahmed Shehzad

The only Pakistani in the history of the game to score centuries in all three formats at international level, Shehzad is a fantastic talent, and most importantly, when he scores big, Pakistan almost always win!

Jason Holder

A surprise selection as West Indies’ new one-day captain, Holder will need to show maturity well beyond his years to lead a side filled with a lot of cricketers who are far senior to him. A tall bowler with enormous potential, Holder needs to justify the faith that the Windies’ selectors have placed in him.

Usman Ghani

Usman is the youngest player at the World Cup this year, and has a terrific future ahead of him. He scored his maiden ODI century last year against Zimbabwe, and will be the cynosure of all Afghani eyes at the tournament.

Dushmantha Chameera

The Lankan rookie is the most inexperienced of our lot, having played just the solitary ODI match before he was called up for the World Cup. It will be interesting to see when his raw pace is unleashed by the former champions.